Find a Course

You are:

Heading for her degree, Sarah celebrates her GCSE Maths result with Bilal and Danielle from the College's English & Maths Team

Next stop university for Sarah after GCSE and Access success

25 August 2016

Sarah Greenspan, 27, from Chadwell Heath is celebrating today, GCSE results day 2016, after passing her GCSE Maths. Sarah has also secured her Access to Higher Education Diploma in Social Work at the College and with both qualifications under her belt is now heading for a BA (Hons) Degree in Social Work at Goldsmiths, University of London.

A chance meeting in a salon changed Sarah’s career path for good

“I was working as a hairdresser when I began to volunteer through the Youth Offending Service” explains Sarah, “By chance, one of my clients worked in the probation service and tipped me off about the volunteer vacancy. I went for it and got it. When I started volunteering I just knew that I had found my niche.”

So after a 10-year career as a hairdresser, Sarah changed direction. Here she talks about what the return to study has been like.

“The Access to Social Work was very hard work but also rewarding. The boost I needed was getting distinctions in first year assignments and realising that I was more than capable of doing this.

“I have Dyspraxia but the College’s specialist team were on hand to give me loads of practical support and encouragement. Their unwavering commitment to me as a student made such a positive difference to my experience at the College.

“My GCSE Maths tutors have been amazing. They put on extra classes and really focussed on giving us a deep sense of Maths. There was a real class camaraderie and I enjoyed it. I have nieces and nephews and I now feel confident when I help them with their homework.”

University of London

Encouraged by her College results, Sarah researched the university with the best reputation for social work and applied.

“I know I’ll be stretched and challenged at Goldsmiths, but that’s what I want,” she added.

“I’ve recommended Barking & Dagenham College to others” concluded Sarah “Hats off to their lecturers because they don’t always get the credit they deserve but they have been great.”